Rep Power: 0

I just bought an Alpine 9813 and had it installed in my car. The HU sounds great, especially compared to my Kenwood 8017MP that I had. The problem is I can barely read the display because of the foolish design of our dash (especially when the sun is behind me).

I had this problem with the Kenwood when I installed it but there was a contrast option so I turned it all the way up and I could see the screen.

This option is not available on the 9813. Contrast adjustment is only available on the Alpine 9815 in that line.

There is a $100 dollar difference between the two versions of the HU so I dont want to spend extra to have the same probem. To further add to my situation, I got the 9813 on sale for $50 off making the differential cost $150, which I am not willing to pay. I will concider $100 extra, but I will simply return the HU and put the ol Kenwood back in if there isn't a work around for under a bill.

What I wanted to know is if anyone else has this 9813 HU and had this problem.
Also, I'd like to know if anyone has the 9815 with this problem or if the contrast option fixed it.

If there are other suggestions/workarounds... I'm willing to entertain those... it's a great HU... Honda just screwed us over with poor design

 
Rep Power: 329

on my old alpine deck it was the same way. I took it back apart and modified the mounting to angle the deck more to help the viewing. It was a little better after but i ventually bought a nex IVA-D900 and that eleminated the issue all together

 
Rep Power: 0

<jealousy>wow... well... unfortunately that HU is outta my price range (and probably most of the rest of America too)

congrats on the kick *** Alpine... I want one too but my goals are set a little lower </jealousy>

Any one else with the problem and hopefully a workaround?

 
Rep Power: 329

Im not sure what mounting kit you have but reloacting one of the 2 screws on each side did help on being able to view it. you may want to try that. another option would be to relocate the deck to down where the lighter plug us maybe. But would require some custom work to make it look right.

 
Rep Power: 813

No deck lights will be brighter than the sun. Even my pioneer OEL display washes out. There's not much you can do except put your hand over it when it's sunny.

 
Rep Power: 0

got the Pioneer 8400mp (dual Motorized faces) impossible to see screen. got a custom dash made that angle the deck downward creates a single DIN setup looks amazing costed about 200 cad kind of costly but well worthit more secure than the original setup.